The Pakistan Army (Urdu: پاک فوج Pak Fauj (IPA: Pɑk fɒ~ɔd͡ʒ); Reporting name: PA) is theland-based uniform service branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces. It came into existence after the independence of Pakistan in 1947. The Pakistan Army is a volunteer professional fighting force.[1] According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) it has an active force of 642,000 personnel in 2012. In addition there were around 500,000 reserves bringing the total to 1,142,000 troops.[2] The Constitution of Pakistan contains a provision for conscription, but it has never been imposed.
The primary mandate and mission of the army is "dedicated to the service of the nation."[3]Since establishment in 1947, the Army (along with its inter–services: Navy, Marines and theAir Force) has been involved in three wars with neighbouring India and several borderskirmishes with Afghanistan.[4] Since 1947, it has maintained strong presence along with its inter-services in the Arab states during the past Arab-Israeli Wars, and aided the coalition in the first Gulf War. Recently, major joint-operations undertaken by the Army includeOperation Black Thunderstorm and Operation Rah-e-Nijat. Apart from conflicts, the army has been an active participant in UN missions and played a major role in rescuing trapped American soldiers from Mogadishu of Somalia in 1993 in Operation Gothic Serpent.
Under the Article 243, the Constitution of Pakistan appoints the President of Pakistan as the civilian Commander-in-Chief. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), by statute a four-star general, is appointed by the President with the consultation and confirmation needed from the Prime Minister of Pakistan.[5] The Pakistan Army is currently commanded by GeneralRaheel Sharif.[6][7]
By Shams Khan Swati
